The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. KAS operates worldwide to promote democracy through dialogue, political education and training.
Since 1999, KAS has funded an internship programme, run by SAIIA in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand. This internship programme provides successful candidates with the opportunity to enrol in a master’s degree with coursework in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism, and related subjects within the humanities and social sciences, while simultaneously working at SAIIA.
KAS also funds an internship programme in conjunction with SAIIA’s Cape Town office. Applicants for the KAS-SAIIA Cape Town-based scholarship must apply for and be admitted into a master’s programme at the Political Science departments of either the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University or the University of the Western Cape.
Kindly note that applicants should apply in either Johannesburg or Cape Town. Dual applications will not be considered.
Prospective scholars are advised to study SAIIA’s research offerings in its Cape Town and Johannesburg offices very carefully to assist in their final choice of university. The Cape Town office houses SAIIA’s futures and climate change programmes, while its Johannesburg office houses its economic resilience and African diplomacy and governance programmes. Should the status of their application at the relevant university remain unclear at the time of the deadline for this internship, candidates should still proceed with their application, noting this in their cover letter.
Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant university and should not be older than 30 years. The internship runs from 1 February to 30 November each year. Successful candidates receive a full bursary for their tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover their living costs and accommodation. Students who have already completed the first year of their master’s programme are not eligible for the internship.
The programme is output-focused and the KAS-SAIIA scholars, who are assigned to mentors, generally go on to high-profile and high-powered positions in public and private life. The scholars are supported in honing their methodological, research and writing skills, and are encouraged to:
- co-author articles in SAIIA publications; and
- improve their presentation and organisational skills.
To apply, please complete this application form.
Applications will open on 29 July 2026, and the closing date for applications is 1 September 2026 for both Johannesburg and Cape Town.